America’s First Wine Trail
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was the first to organize and is the longest-running wine trail in the country, dating back to 1983, making it America’s First Wine Trail. A weekend is well spent when you visit the different wineries along the beautiful Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
The member wineries of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail have earned more than 6,000 national and international awards and medals, making Cayuga Lake one of the premier wine tasting destinations in the country.
Have fun on the wine trail by using their Vino Visa Coupon Book which offers visitors discounts and coupons at all member wineries. The Vino Visa Coupon Book also includes discounts for other participating businesses, including transportation, restaurants, attractions, and accommodations.
Charming Stays
Experience local hospitality and imagine what living in Finger Lakes Wine Country is really like by enjoying your stay at one of the many charming bed & breakfasts in the region along or near the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
A few of the cozy places to stay along the trail are the Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabins or choose the perfect vacation home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties.
Grab a Bite to Eat
One of the highlights of any day of wine touring is, of course, lunch! Along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail are various cafés and restaurants offering genuine farm-to-table experiences, which are a way of life here. Enjoy lunch with your wine or beer from Americana Vineyard’s Crystal Lake Café and don’t miss the gourmet pies they feature each week! Enjoy the outdoor patio at Knapp Winery’s Vineyard Restaurant—you’ll be shaded by a trellis of grape vines while you enjoy a casual meal and wine. The Bistro at Thirsty Owl Wine Company is another wonderful spot, and they specialize in incorporating fresh, local ingredients into delicious dishes of wine-friendly cuisine. Crystal Lake Café, Thirsty Owl Bistro, and Knapp’s Vineyard Restaurant are open seasonally, from April through November.
Waterfalls of Cayuga Lake
While exploring the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail you can also visit some of the breathtaking waterfalls that make this region so famous for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the most accessible and famous waterfalls along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is in Taughannock Falls State Park. You can choose to enjoy the falls from a viewing deck at the parking lot or adventure along the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail for a calming walk surrounded by scenery and an up-close look at the waterfall.
An Area Rich in History
If you’re interested in the history of the area you’ll be intrigued with the area’s ties to the Underground Railroad and Women’s Suffrage.
Not far from the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is Seneca Falls, home to the Women’s Suffrage movement and where the Seneca Falls Convention took place in 1848. You can visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park which chronicles the history of this significant convention that took place and kicked off the movement.
Also located off Cayuga Lake is Harriet Tubman’s home which is now a National Historic Park and National Landmark that educates and remembers the history of Harriet Tubman who ran the Underground Railroad network that helped freedom seekers escape slavery. You can also visit her final resting spot at Fort Hill Cemetery nearby.
Great Location for Exploring the Finger Lakes
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is a great starting point for exploring the greater Finger Lakes Wine Country region. From Cayuga Lake, it’s just a short drive to more wine tasting and sightseeing along Seneca and Keuka Lakes, exploring the beautiful towns of Watkins Glen and Owego, and there are plenty of outdoor experiences waiting for you in the Finger Lakes National Forest, located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake.
